Nick Faldo has dismissed suggestions that he is involved in a feud with Bryson DeChambeau after the American’s strong start at the 2026 Open Championship. The six-time major winner said he remains a “huge fan” of DeChambeau and has great respect for his game.
It all began before The Open at Royal Birkdale when Faldo questioned DeChambeau’s approach to links golf. Speaking on the Sky Sports Golf podcast, the three-time Open champion said DeChambeau had “zero clue” about strategy on links courses and believed he needed a more patient game plan.
DeChambeau appeared to respond on the course. After opening with an impressive three-under-par 67, he repeatedly spoke about the importance of being “strategic,” leading many fans to believe he was sending a message back to Faldo.
Faldo Explains What He Really Meant
Following DeChambeau’s opening round, Faldo posted a video on social media to clarify his earlier comments. He said the story had grown much bigger than it should have and insisted there was no bad blood between them. He also revealed that he and DeChambeau regularly exchange text messages during the season.
“So anyway, the Bryson thing, the strategy thing has gone too far as usual,” Faldo said. “Yes, I’m an analyst, I’m on a podcast, I say something. Fine. But, number one, I’m a big fan of Bryson, let’s get that out of the way. We text each other throughout the season. I have respect for him and his game. But it’s fair to say that over the last couple of years, he hasn’t shown much strategy on a links golf course, and I believe I know a little bit about strategy.”
Sir Nick Faldo responds to Bryson’s “strategy” response.
Thoughts on this? ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/lAH2BbG3yW
— Fore Play (@ForePlayPod) July 17, 2026
Faldo explained that his comments were simply part of his role as a golf analyst. He believes DeChambeau’s previous performances on links courses showed a lack of patience, but he never intended the remarks as a personal attack.
Faldo Believes Strategy Could Win The Open
DeChambeau arrived at Royal Birkdale after missing the cut in each of the first three major championships of 2026. However, he bounced back with one of his best rounds of the season, making five birdies and two bogeys for a three-under 67.
Instead of speaking to the assembled media after his round, DeChambeau answered a few questions for the R&A. During the interview, he repeatedly highlighted how important strategy had been to his performance. Faldo admitted he noticed the comments but also welcomed them.
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“Interestingly, day one, [he] threw the strategy thing in the ring, talked about it, did it, played it, shot a great score,” he said.
Faldo also added that if DeChambeau continued using that approach at Royal Birkdale in the firm and fast conditions, he could have a genuine chance of winning his first Open Championship.
With DeChambeau firmly in contention after his opening round, Faldo’s comments suggest the focus has shifted from any perceived disagreement to whether the American can maintain his strategic approach and contend for his first Claret Jug.
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